Patient permission to use images and medical information in news stories or promotional materials

Download consent form (PDF): in English - in Spanish

UCLA is committed to protecting the privacy of our patients' medical information. That's why we must obtain your written consent before we can photograph you or reveal details about your care for use in news stories or promotional materials. Please review the following facts and assure your questions are fully answered by a UCLA Health communications officer before signing this form. You are entitled to receive a signed copy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who will disclose my medical information? Only you and your team of medical caregivers may provide details about your case to a UCLA Health communications officer.

Who will use my information? A UCLA Health communications officer may share your images or information with journalists or the public for promotional purposes, such as advertising, brochures, Web pages, publications or news stories.

What happens after my photos and information go public? Once stories, photos, audio and videotape enter the public domain, it's important to understand that other outlets are free to use them, too. For example, photos and stories in the Los Angeles Times are often picked up by news wires, reprinted by other newspapers and Web sites, and broadcast by radio and television stations.

Before you sign this form, make sure you are comfortable with the amount of public recognition you may receive. UCLA Healthcare cannot control how -- or for how long -- news outlets use or distribute your information, photos and videotape for future stories. We also cannot guarantee that other organizations will not display your publicized images or information on their own Web sites.

I'm not sure I want to make my information public. Do I have to sign this form? Absolutely not! Signing this form is your choice alone and will have no effect upon your medical care, fees or insurance benefits.

May I withdraw my consent? You may cancel or revoke your authorization at any time by emailing UCLAHealthNews@mednet.ucla.edu or writing to UCLA Health Media Relations 10960 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1955, Los Angeles, CA 90025; however, if we have already used the information and disclosed it as provided by the authorization, we will not be able to revoke your authorization.